From 2025, the Reinwardt Academy holds a UNESCO Chair in Museum Collections, Repatriation, and Interculturality. This chair is part of the research group and focuses on research, education, and public activities related to cultural heritage from colonial contexts, with a special focus on museums. Mirjam Shatanawi will occupy the chair and work in a team with other experts from Reinwardt Academy.

International collaboration and knowledge exchange are central to this. The Chair fosters dialogue among heritage professionals worldwide – between Europe and Asia, Africa, and South America, as well as within those regions. As a connecting link between UNESCO, museums, and communities in countries of origin, the Chair contributes to the broader effort to decolonize museums. This involves a critical rethinking of Eurocentric perspectives and colonial structures, with the aim of making exhibitions and collections more inclusive and meaningful – both in the global North and South. 

Return and restitution of museum collections from the colonial era is an important aspect of decolonization discussions, which has gained momentum in recent years. More and more European countries are developing policies in this area and are returning heritage to the countries and communities that created it. In this effort, the Chair does not focus solely on physical objects from colonial contexts, but includes attention to intangible cultural heritage – such as songs, traditions and Indigenous knowledge. 

Key Objectives
1. Investigating colonial and contested heritage and museum collections from international and multivocal perspectives
2. Education and training of current and future professionals in inclusive and international heritage practices
3. Promoting international dialogue on colonial and contested heritage 

Activities
Between 2025 and 2029, the Chair will pursue its goals through a broad approach involving the general public, students, and academics. Public events and (academic) publications will contribute to broader awareness. The training of heritage professionals will also be a key focus, emphasizing the identification, tracing, and management of colonial heritage.

Initial Team
Chairholder: Dr. Mirjam Shatanawi (Colonial Collections)
Dr. Csilla Ariese (Museology, Archaeology)
Martín Andrade-Pérez (Intangible Cultural Heritage)
Ruben Smit (Heritage education)
Britt-Marie Van der Drift (Slavery past, Caribbean)